How Technology Might Have Affected Sniper Attacks

ROCKVILLE, Md.(WUSA) - Ten years ago, for a three week span in October, staying safe in our area took on a whole new meaning as John Allen Muhammad and Lee Malvo went on their sniper killing spree.

Cars were searched, people didn't stand still in the same place for too long, and schools kept kids inside -- all as a precaution.

9News' Scott Broom spent the day speaking with local law enforcement -- about the technological advances that would hopefully make things different today.

He reports that police said Muhammad and Malvo had been stopped by police at least three times during the sniper shootings --- but it was all on paper -- and making a match might have taken months. The new license plate readers would have have done it instantly.